London Lions win HSCL title

London Lions were crowned Herts County Premier League champions for the first time in the club’s history after beating Bovingdon 2-0.

Goals from Daniel Stanton and Dean Nyman completed a historical day for the club.

Going into the final game of the season in second place, Tony Gold’s troops knew that only a win would be enough to lift them above Wormley Rovers.

The visitors were focused from the off, and in an unstoppable mode as they took Bovingdon apart in the first 45 minutes.

With captain Rob Glass out injured and Lee Cash unavailable, Gold kept faith with the players who had started this epic journey nine months ago.

The Lions were at it from the first whistle Lions and it was clear to all watching that they had a bounce in their step playing at a far higher tempo then the hosts.

Early nerves were settled quickly thanks to a tenth goal of the season from Daniel Stanton. Great build up play from Lions around the Bovingdon box saw James Gershfield fire across a dangerous ball which Stanton latched on to and dispatched past the Bovingdon keeper.

With the bit between their teeth Lions went again and 10 minutes later doubled their lead thanks to Dean Nyman’s expertly taken finish.

Defending stoutly the Lions back four were never troubled and as the half drew to a close Lions could virtually taste the sweet smell of success.

Bovingdon had a real go in the second half but they lacked the penetration in the final third to cause any real problems.

With the two-goal advantage Lions did not need to force the issue and showed great composure in keeping the ball and seeing the game out to a successful conclusion.

As the final whistle blew Lions could finally relax and begin to take in what they had achieved. The relief was plain to see on all the players faces. Realising it was finally over the celebrations began as Lions were presented with the Herts County Premier League shield.

Looking back on a momentous season, Gold said: “I said to the players three weeks ago after looking at our run-in that if we were going to win this league we would have to do it the hard way.

“The players have coped brilliantly with the pressure and have shown an unbelievable maturity grinding out the results they have. To go twenty games unbeaten and lose just two games all season in any league is a truly admirable achievement so the players have finally got what they worked so hard for and I am delighted for them and the club.

“After finishing runners-up last year and not getting the promotion, I was slightly concerned as to whether or not the players would find that commitment and consistency again. Well they have shown what an incredible squad they are and how mentally tough they are as they went one better this time.

“However, today would not have been possible without the contribution of two very special people. Darren Yarlett and Steve Grenfell deserve an incredible amount of praise and acknowledgement for their efforts.

“This is a great day in the club’s history and one the players can look back on in years to come with great fondness and great memories”.

The win means that the Lions will be playing in the South Midlands League Division One next season.